Head First Acrobats is an Australian performance company that creates acrobatic entertainment for festivals, theatres, and corporate events. Head First Acrobats’ owners, Thomas Gorham and Callan Harris, have been acrobats for fifteen years. Their journey began when they met at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne. Since then, they have performed worldwide, touring Australia, the UK, and Europe. They have won several awards, including the Best Cabaret Award and the Best Children’s and Family Event Award at the Brighton Fringe. They also won the Best Circus and Physical Theatre Award at the Adelaide Fringe. Head First Acrobats are returning to Brighton this May and June to perform their hit shows ‘Godz’, ‘Arr we there yet?’, and ‘Crème de la crème’. In a recent interview, the multi-award-winning acrobatic troupe discussed their upcoming shows.
Tell me about your three shows, ‘Godz’, ‘Arr we there yet’, and ‘Crème de la crème’?
“Each of these shows holds a special place in our hearts! They’re simultaneously ridiculous and awe-inspiring. Packed with jaw-dropping circus acts that’ll leave you stunned and laughter that’ll have you rolling in the aisles.”
What made you want to create and perform three different shows?
“These three shows complement each other perfectly. We’ve got ‘Arr we there yet?’ for families, ‘Godz’ for the adults, and ‘Crème de la crème’ for the late-night crowd. While they all share our signature humour and acrobatic flair, each brings a unique flavour. ‘Arr we there yet?’ especially has some hidden gems for the grown-ups amidst the family fun.”
What can the audience expect from your shows?
“Brace yourselves for an onslaught of death-defying stunts, uncontrollable giggles (especially for the late-night shows), and perhaps a dash of something naughty and tantalising!”
Do your shows have other elements besides acrobatics, like comedy and storytelling?
“Absolutely! ‘Godz’ is a prime example. It’s a gripping coming-of-age tale following Hercules’ journey from demigod to God, accompanied by sweaty acrobatics and mind-bending circus feats.”
Where was your favourite place to perform?
“Except for the hiatus due to COVID, we’ve been on the road for the past decade. But Brighton holds a special place in our hearts. The crowds here, especially during the Fringe, are incredibly energetic and enthusiastic, making it one of our favourite performance destinations.”
What made you want to bring your shows to Brighton?
“The vibrant atmosphere of the Fringe scene in Brighton is simply irresistible! The audience is always ready for the zany, off-the-wall entertainment we offer, making it a perfect match for our shows.”
How are you preparing for these shows?
“While you might expect us to say gym training and healthy eating, the reality of festival life means we’re often indulging in pizza and burgers! Luckily, we have finely tuned our shows over the years through touring, so physically, we’re in great shape. If we had more time, hitting the gym wouldn’t be a bad idea!”
Are you performing in any other countries after you perform in Brighton?
“Absolutely! Our tour doesn’t end in Brighton. Follow us for updates on where we’ll be playing next.”
Head First Acrobats will perform their three shows from May 3 to June 2 at The Vault in Fool’s Paradise in Brighton.
